Vote Il Ling New for the NRA Board of Directors

I first became involved with the NRA in elementary school, when my father gave me a membership as a birthday present. He wanted me to understand the importance of the Second Amendment in our lives, and more important, to be a part of something that helps protect our rights.

Now, in my nearly 40 years of working with firearms, I’ve shot rifles, shotguns and handguns for sport, in competition, and as defensive tools. I started shooting in my single digits, hunted as soon as I could earn a license, and received my guide’s license while in high school. I shot competitively in college, was the first female captain of the Yale University Skeet Team.

Early on, being robbed at gunpoint brought the fundamental importance of firearms as defensive tools into clear focus. Teaching at the Gunsite Academy has further informed my view on self-defense with firearms.

For the last 18 years, after leaving a career in corporate marketing, training people to use firearms has been both my vocation, and my occupation. I am also a writer and speaker, about self-defense, hunting, and shooting.

“I most value the Second Amendment’s protection of my natural right to defend myself.”—Il Ling New

The Second Amendment is the bulwark of our inalienable right to self-protection—and this is what I value most. Despite my great love for the shooting sports and hunting, my support for the Second Amendment reflects my staunch belief in our natural right to defend ourselves, and those whom we choose to protect.

I’ve experienced the challenge of self-defense with limited tools. I’ve lived and worked in countries where firearms possession is illegal. I’ve had the mind-wrenching experience of being denied firearms—and then having to rely on similarly unarmed law enforcement. I have seen the Dark Side, first hand!

And yet, my life has been shaped, enhanced, and maybe even saved, because I can own and shoot guns in America.

So it pains me that right here in our own country, so many of our fellow Americans “fear the gun,” yet have no direct, constructive contact with firearms. Worse, they succumb to the political weapons of misinformation and misdirection. As important, many have little experience with those of uswho do cherish and understand the Second Amendment. These are people I want to reach, and I hope that my experiences and background will help me better understand and communicate through the many social and political challenges we—the NRA—face.

My commitment to the NRA is stronger than ever. It’s not “just about” firearms—it’s about protecting the values we live by, and protecting the values that let us live. Vote for me, and allow me to help defend your right to defend.

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